led after 1st, 4 lengths clear 3 out, travelled well and slight mistake last, pushed along briefly run-in, kept on well
led, slow 1st and headed, tracked leader in 2nd, pushed along and no impression on winner approaching last, kept on one pace run-in
tracked leaders, 3rd 4 out, no impression 2 out and dropped to 5th entering straight, soon no extra, weakened
ran 4th, not fluent 1st, 5th and slight mistake 3 out, pushed along and no impression in rear after next, no extra and eased, completely tailed off
towards rear, slight mistake 4th, 5th halfway, moderate 3rd and pushed along entering straight, soon no impression, 4th and no extra approaching last, weakened
held up in rear, pushed along and headway after 2 out, went moderate 3rd early straight, kept on one pace run-in
Willie Mullins saddles four here though all eyes will be on FACILE VEGA. Last season's unbeaten champion bumper didn't have much to beat on his hurdling debut at Fairyhouse but couldn't have been more impressive and, though taking on much stronger company, can keep up the winning sequence. Il Etait Temps took on Vauban in three Grade 1 races in the spring and wasn't disgraced in any of them. He was also very impressive on his hurdles bow at Thurles and will ensure the favourite doesn't have things his own way. The mare Ashroe Diamond looked in need of further when placed in the Royal Bond at Fairyhouse and the remaining trio have plenty to find.
Facile Vega (IRE) 1-9fav (11-12) Made all, clear from 4th, ran around briefly approaching 3 out and slight mistake, well clear 2 out, stayed on strongly run-in, not extended, won at Fairyhouse 2m mdn Good - Yielding in Dec beating An Mhi (11-12) by 14l, 16 ran.
Il Etait Temps (FR) 1-7fav (11-4) Made all, slight mistake at 1st, not fluent at 3rd, travelled well before last, asserted run-in, easily, won at Thurles 2m mdn Yielding - Soft in Nov beating Helisone (10-11) by 10l, 15 ran.
Intranet (FR) 11-8fav (11-12) Prominent, left disputing lead after 3rd, led from 4th, joined 2 out, led entering straight, ridden and headed before last, rallied to regain lead after last, stayed on well close home, won at Punchestown 2m mdn Yielding - Soft in Nov beating Belle The Lioness (11-5) by 2 1/2l, 21 ran.
Itswhatunitesus (IRE) 5-4 (11-11) Led at steady pace, made all, pressed after 2 out, pushed along and asserted before last, 3 lengths lead last, kept on well, won at Punchestown 2m Yielding in Dec beating Carnfunnock (11-2) by 4l, 4 ran.
Path D'oroux (FR) 5-1 (11-12) In touch, 4th halfway, 5th after 5th, improved to 2nd 3 out, dropped to 5th and under pressure after 3 out, weakened and pulled up before 2 out, at Fairyhouse 2m (1) sft in Dec.
Ashroe Diamond (IRE) 13-2 (11-5) Rear, 8th halfway, good headway to 4th after 3 out, 3rd 2 out, dropped to 4th last where not fluent, kept on to 3rd close home, 3rd of 8, 4 1/4l behind Marine Nationale (11-12) at Fairyhouse 2m (1) sft in Dec.
